Couple Succeed In Putting More Farmland On Wild Side

Ron and Gerry Krueger recently secured an 80-year covenant to protect 18 acres of farmland they are restoring to native wildlife habitat near Bigelow Gulch.

The Kruegers, who run Blossoms & Bloomers nursery, have been mentors to hundreds of enthusiasts who enroll in the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department’s backyard wildlife programs. The Kruegers recently held their fifth annual “open yard” to allow people to see for themselves how yards can become wildlife havens.

But the Kruegers have gone beyond their yard with the 80-year conservation agreement. Not only have they planted more than 5,000 trees, 2,000 shrubs and grasses, they’ve assured their work won’t be undone by the next landowner.

“This is the kind of dedication to stewardship that must be recognized as an example for others,” said Dinah Demers, department regional wildlife program manager. The agency presented the Kruegers with an award.

Pat Kelley and Bill Sahlberg of Spokane recently topped 66 shooters to win the team event in the Checker Challenge marksmanship competition sponsored by the Cabinet Rifle and Pistol Association in Libby.

Mark Morris and Mike McGrath of Spokane won the B class events.

Rick Applegate has resigned his post as fish and wildlife director for the Northwest Power Planning Council. Applegate will start Aug. 1 as West Coast conservation director for Trout Unlimited.

Lynn Boykin of Mobile, Ala., became the first woman president of the National Wild Turkey Federation this winter at the organization’s 19th annual convention in Nashville.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo